just some q's

[jes1917]

hi, im jeff, 22, m, from VA. i've been to the recruiter in my area and he took me to take the asvab on tues. i scored a 96. i really want to go nuke or CTR. any advice on these? and second, since i took it he hasnt called me one time, literally not once...i was just wondering if this is normal because of the influx of people trying to join the navy or something maybe he feels like he doesnt need to persuade me to join?

[carlylynn72]

Hey Jeff! Welcome on board. I'm also new and have had a ton of questions. This is a really good forum for getting answers so hopefully you'll feel a sense of relief after hearing from others. I'm a navy wife whose husband has been in bootcamp for almost 3 weeks. I know that in between the time that he enlisted and left for bootcamp, he had to wait for calls to be returned by his recruiter. At one point, the recruiter left for a week vacation, so that could be a possibility. I doubt your recruiter is avoiding your call; its his best interest to enlist as many people as he can rather than put you on the back burner. I know that the recruiters in our hometown were always so busy. I would just stay on top of him, send him emails or keep leaving voicemails. If you feel he's not doing his job, then maybe you can speak to a different recruiter. Dont get discouraged. Best of luck to you!!!

[carlylynn72]

He might also be waiting for your scores to go into the system. I'm not positive but maybe that takes more than just a couple of days to be posted...just a thought.

[jes1917]

thanks, that makes me feel a lot better, i didnt know they took some time to get into the system. maybe i just had the wrong idea of the way things worked too.

[carlylynn72]

Dont quote me on the scoring, but you sound eager and that's attractive to recruiters. Again, maybe you could just give him a shout just to get a reassuring answer. It's never fun to be the one sitting around waiting for the next step. It will all come through for you though. Just stay positive, keep up your excitement about the Navy and it will all fall into place. Let us know when you hear something!

[MizzMolly]

Your Recrutier may just not want to push you. I know mine wasn't aggervating in the least and then I know a Marine recrutier who was. Some have different methods I highly doubt that means he isn't interested if you got a 96 on your asvab I'm almost certain he is. You qualify for nuke which you know but you would also count as two people because the NAVY needs nukes. He may just be wanting to make sure this is what you want, what I would suggest is to give him a call let him no the NAVY is what you want. Also feel free to ask me any questions I'm new here as well but am willing to answer any questions about joining or DEP that I can.

[jes1917]

good news...im going to fill out the rest of my paperwork tues. and then wed. its off to MEPS to enlist...now the only thing i have to worry about is my tattoos, i never thought i would regret having them but if i cant get in because of them it would really suck. thanks for all the replies, i took your advice and gave him a call and i got the impression he was just giving me time to make sure this is what i wanted, but after our conversation im sure he knows now, haha

[MizzMolly]

You don't have to regret your tattoo's just fill out alot (can't stress alot enough lol) of paperwork. A detailed description of each. I hope your expierence is going to be a good one although MEPs can wear on you. Good luck with all. I would like to know what job you choose though.

[jes1917]

thats what i hear...and ive talked to another recruiter besides mine about em and he said i have nothing to worry about. still its just that little fear that they will keep me out. thanks for the well wishes, ill post what job i choose on wed. MEPS is only about 15 minutes from my house. also, when did you enlist? and how long till you are shipped? im trying to get a rough idea for how long it will be.

[carlylynn72]

That's great news Jeff! I'm glad you got through to the recruiter. As for your tattoos, my husband had a couple and did have to file extra paper work. He had to explain them to the recruiter and again when he enlisted. They just want to make sure they aren't "gang" related or have some hidden meaning. You shouldn't have anything to worry about. Good look at MEPs. We are all rooting for ya!

[jes1917]

nothing gang related here...and nothing vulgar, just showing off a little love of the sea and japanese art

[sweetmtn]

Your tats probably wont amount to much...depend on WHERE on your body they are. If they are on your neck above the coller you may need a waiver. If you have nuke questions PM me, my son is a nuke, and been in now for over 2 years. In fact he just STAR re-enlisted for 2 more years and promoted to petty officer 2nd class...

[jes1917]

nothing above my shoulders or below my wrists...but i basically have both arms half sleeved and my legs are sleeved from the knee to the ankle...the legs are the ones im most worried about, i dont know how to take the navy's policy on them, but i know that the armed forces in general except for the army are cracking down, correct?

[sweetmtn]

Actually the army is the one that seems the most lax on the tat issue. I think I would be mroe concerned abut the ones on your arms. Remember, read the rule carefully on what can show in uniform. It is not the the old days of the tattooed sailors, but even so, many have them and get them while in. My sailor son has gotten three since being in. He had to get a "chit", like a permission slip, to get the one on his forarm.

[MizzMolly]

I enlisted in Sept. of and should hopefully if they put a DAR in for me ship out between Feb.- Mar.
It varies I know a girl that has been in for 9 months but she also had a GED.

[jes1917]

oh okay...thats about how long my recruiter said it would be for me, which kinda sucks...im ready to go now, haha

[Retired Navy Chief]

Generally speaking ... if your tats can be covered by a long sleeve (dress uniform) you should be fine. Obviously, vulgarity and gang related ones would need to be removed.


Glad they finally got around to you ...... not too sure why it took so long. There's a reason for everything ...

Cheers,
PISTOL

[jes1917]

yes sir, no tattoo i have can be seen when i wear pants and long sleeves...and i have nothing vulgar or gang related...this has really helped me feel better about going to MEPS, thanks to all

[navygirldarlene]

Your from VA not to far from me either...I live in the northern neck....So i take it your MEPS is at Ft. Lee like mine was....Everyone there was awesome...They worked with me to get me in....Good luck hope you get a good job!!

[jes1917]

yup...i only live like 10 minutes from ft. lee

[navygirldarlene]

thats cool i live in the middle of nowheres closer to ap hill than ft. lee dont you just love this snow we are having lol:woohoo: